Absorbent article having an attachment mechanism and a method of attaching

ABSTRACT

An absorbent article having an attachment mechanism is disclosed along with a method of attaching the absorbent article to an undergarment. The absorbent article includes an absorbent and a baffle secured to the absorbent. The baffle has first and second longitudinal side edges, a first end, and first and second appendages extending laterally outward from the first and second longitudinal side edges, respectively. Each of the first and second appendages are positioned adjacent to the first end and aligned at an angle relative to the longitudinal side edges. Each appendage has a sufficient length to be folded inward and overlap the other appendage. The absorbent article further includes a first magnet positioned on or secured to the baffle and a second magnet secured to one of the appendages. The method includes positioning the absorbent article on an undergarment with the baffle contacting an interior surface of the undergarment. The appendages are then folded around the undergarment such that the appendage containing the second magnet overlays the other appendage. The second magnet is brought into alignment with the first magnet to hold the absorbent article secure to the undergarment.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an absorbent article having an attachmentmechanism and a method of attaching the absorbent article to a crotchportion of an undergarment. More particularly, this invention relates toa sanitary napkin having a magnetic attachment mechanism.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The most common known and used fastener for absorbent articles such assanitary napkins, panty liners, diapers, incontinence garments, trainingpants, shields, etc. is adhesive. Adhesives, especiallygarment-attachment adhesives which are designed to directly adhere to anundergarment, exhibit some problems. First, they have a tendency toleave a residue on the undergarment and after a number of applications,this build up can result in undesirable tactile properties and/ordiscoloration. Such discoloration may cause the user to eventuallydiscard the undergarment before it would normally be discarded. Second,the adhesive can stick to the skin and cause discomfort. Third, eventhough adhesives are relatively inexpensive, a peel strip is required tobe placed over the adhesive, prior to use, to protect it from becomingcontaminated. The cost of the peel strip along with the extra cost ofcutting, aligning and placing the peel strip over the adhesive increasesthe total cost of manufacturing the product.

"VELCRO" and other types of hook and loop fasteners are just makingtheir entry into the marketplace. While some attention has been given tomagnetic catches and closures for uses with clothing, there has beenlittle use or attention given to such means for catamenial devices.Generally speaking, this has probably been due to the fact thatgarment-attachment adhesives are relatively inexpensive and lendthemselves well to a manufacturing process where they can be sprayed orcoated onto a moving web at fast speeds. Also, there have been problemsmaintaining magnetic strength with inexpensive materials, the weight andbulk of the closure for the desired strength, and their relativeinflexibility. Consequently, magnetic fasteners are not currentlyutilized on hygienic absorbent articles.

However, there remains a real need for an absorbent article, like asanitary napkin, having some type of simple and inexpensive fastener forholding the article secure to the crotch portion of an undergarment.There is also a need for a fastener which can be readily and easilyopened and/or refastened a plurality of times without loosing it'sstrength. Furthermore, there is a need for an absorbent article having afastener which will not damage the undergarment to which it is attached.

Now an absorbent article having a unique attachment mechanism has beeninvented along with a method of attaching the absorbent article to acrotch portion of an undergarment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, this invention relates to an absorbent article having animproved attachment mechanism and a method of attaching the absorbentarticle to a crotch portion of an undergarment. The absorbent articleincludes an absorbent and a baffle secured to the absorbent. The bafflehas first and second longitudinal edges, a first end, and first andsecond appendages extending laterally outward from the first and secondlongitudinal edges. Each of the first and second appendages are alignedat an angle relative to the first end and each has a sufficient lengthto be folded inward and overlap one another. The article furtherincludes a first attachment member secured to the baffle and a secondattachment member secured to the first appendage. The first and secondattachment members can be magnets which are attracted to one anotheronce they are superimposed.

The method includes positioning the absorbent article on an undergarmentwith the baffle contacting an interior surface of the undergarment. Theappendages are then folded around the edges of the undergarment suchthat the first appendage overlays the second appendage. The magnet inthe first appendage is then brought into alignment with the magnetsecured to the baffle to hold the absorbent article secure to theundergarment.

The general object of this invention is to provide an absorbent articlehaving an improved attachment mechanism and a method of attaching theabsorbent article to a crotch portion of an undergarment. A morespecific object of this invention is to provide a sanitary napkin havinga magnetic attachment mechanism.

Another object of this invention is to provide an absorbent article withan attachment mechanism which, unlike a garment adhesive, does notdamage the undergarment.

A further object of this invention is to provide an absorbent articlewith an attachment mechanism which can be fastened and unfastenednumerous times without minimizing the strength of the attachmentmechanism.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an absorbentarticle with an inexpensive attachment mechanism.

Still further, an object of this invention is to provide an absorbentarticle with an attachment mechanism which is easy to fasten.

Still further, an object of this invention is to provide an absorbentarticle with an attachment mechanism which is relatively easy toincorporate into a manufacturing process.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become moreapparent to those skilled in the art in view of the followingdescription and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a bottom view of an absorbent article having an attachmentmechanism including a pair of laterally extending appendages and firstand second magnets, one of the magnets being secured to the absorbentbody and the other magnet being secured to one of the appendages.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article shown in FIG.1 taken along line 2--2.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of an absorbentarticle having an attachment mechanism including two pairs of laterallyextending appendages and two sets of magnets, a first magnet of each setbeing positioned on the absorbent body and the second magnet of each setbeing secured to one appendage from each pair.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the absorbent article depicted in FIG. 3attached to the crotch portion of an undergarment.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the absorbent article depicted in FIG. 3attached to the crotch portion of an undergarment.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article depicted inFIG. 5 taken along line 6--6 showing the alignment of the magnets.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of an absorbentarticle having an attachment mechanism including two pairs of laterallyextending appendages which are aligned at an acute angle relative to thelongitudinal side edges of the absorbent article.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the absorbent article depicted in FIG. 7attached to the crotch portion of an undergarment.

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of an absorbentarticle having an attachment mechanism including a pair of laterallyextending appendages and three magnets, one of the magnets beingpositioned on the absorbent body and the other two magnets being securedto each of the appendages.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an absorbent article 10 is shown having anabsorbent 12 wrapped by a cover 14 and secured to a baffle 16. Theabsorbent article 10 is shown in the form of a sanitary napkin having amulti-layered construction. Although the absorbent article 10 isdepicted as a sanitary napkin, it could also be a panty liner, adisposable diaper, an incontinence garment, a training pant, a shield,etc.

The absorbent 12 has a body-facing surface 18 and a garment-facingsurface 20. The body first facing surface 18 is designed to bepositioned adjacent to the torso of a body when the absorbent article 10is worn and the garment-facing surface 20 is designed to be positionedadjacent an interior surface of the crotch portion of arm undergarment.

The absorbent 12 can be made from natural or synthetic fibers. Naturalfibers include cellulose fibers such as wood pulp, cotton or regeneratedcellulose. Synthetic fibers can include polyesters or polyolefins withpolyethylene or polypropylene fibers being preferred. The absorbent 12could also be constructed from coform, which is a blend of pulp andsynthetic meltblown fibers. A preferred absorbent material for use in asanitary napkin is a combination of wood pulp and coform. When syntheticfibers are used, the fibers can be treated with a surfactant to it'swettability.

The absorbent 12 can also contain a hydrocolloidal material, commonlyreferred to as a superabsorbent. Superabsorbents are normally added tothe absorbent 12 to increase the amount of fluid which the absorbent 12can contain and also to increase fluid retention capabilities. Thesuperabsorbent can be added as individual particles or it can be formedas a laminate structure having a superabsorbent material incorporatedonto a carrier sheet.

The cover 14 can be constructed of a natural or a synthetic material andshould be easily penetrated by body fluids such as menstrual fluid,blood, urine, etc. Suitable materials include those materials that havea soft hand, such as polyolefin spunbond, which is manufactured and soldby Kimberly-Clark Corporation. The cover could also be made out of abonded carded web of polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylons, orother similar type fibers. Other polyolefins, such as linear low densitypolypropylene, linear low density polyethylene, finely-perforated filmwebs and net materials can also be used. If a thermoplastic film isused, it may be necessary to perforate or slit the film so as to make itliquid permeable.

In FIG. 2, the cover 14 is shown wrapping completely about the absorbent12. However, it is possible for the cover 14 to cooperate with thebaffle 16 to enclose the absorbent 12. Various methods of securing thecover 14 to the baffle 16 are known to those skilled in the art.

The baffle 16 can be liquid-impermeable which will permit the passage ofair and moisture vapor out of the absorbent 12 while blocking thepassage of fluids or liquids therefrom. The baffle 16 could also be anair permeable micro-porous film which would prevent liquids from passingtherethrough. The baffle 16 can be a foam, for example, a polyolefinfoam or a polyurethane foam. A polyolefin foam can be made frompolyethylene or polypropylene. The baffle 16 can be constructed of aliquid-permeable foam that has been treated or coated to make it liquidimpermeable. For purposes of this invention, the baffle 16 is preferablya closed cell polyolefin foam having as thickness in the range of about0.2 mm to about 2.0 mm, preferably about 0.4 mm to about 1.6 mm, andmore preferably, about 0.04 mm to about 0.8 mm. Closed cell foams tendto work best. Such a foam is sold under the trademark "VOLARA" and isdistributed by Voltex, a division of Sekisui America Corporation, havingan address at 100 Shepard Street, Lawrence, Mass. 01843. A closed cellfoam having a thickness as specified above, has sufficient strengthwhich allows it to be folded over upon itself without ripping ortearing.

The baffle 16 can be secured to the absorbent 12 by a constructionadhesive (not shown) and/or it can attached to the cover 14. It shouldbe noted that the baffle 16 can be attached directly to the absorbent 12and/or the cover 14 by means other than adhesive. For example, theattachment can be accomplished by the use of heat and/or pressure,ultrasonic bonding, mechanical fasteners, etc.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the baffle 16 has first and secondlongitudinal side edges 22 and 24 which can be arranged so as tocoincide with the longitudinal side edges of the absorbent 12 and/or thelongitudinal side edges of the cover 14. Likewise, the longitudinal sideedges 22 and 24 can be spaced inward or outward from the side edges ofthe absorbent 12. Preferably, the longitudinal side edges 22 and 24 willapproximately coincide with the longitudinal side edges of the absorbent12. The longitudinal side edges 22 and 24 can be linear or nonlinear andthey can be aligned parallel or at an angle relative to one another. InFIG. 1, the longitudinal side edges 22 and 24 are linear and are alignedparallel to one another. The baffle 16 also contains a first end 26 anda second end 28. The first end 26 is spaced apart from and oppositelyaligned with the second end 28.

The baffle 16 further contains first and second appendages 30 and 32which extend laterally outward from the longitudinal side edges 22 and24, respectively. The appendages 30 and 32 are integrally formed withthe baffle 16 and have approximately the same thickness as the mainportion of the baffle 16. The appendages 30 and 32 are shown asfinger-like or ribbon-like members having a length L and a width W. Whenthe absorbent article 10 is a sanitary napkin having an absorbent 12with a width W₁ of about 2 to about 4 inches (about 51 mm to about 102mm), the length of the appendages 30 and 32 should be such that theyspan across more than half of the width W₁ and are capable ofoverlapping one another. In other words, when the appendages 30 and 32are folded adjacent to the longitudinal edges 20 and 24, they shouldoverlap one another and cross the longitudinal central axis Y--Y.

The width W of the appendages 30 and 32 can vary from between about 0.25inches (about 6.35 mm) up to a width which would be approximately equalto the length of the absorbent article 10. More preferably, the width Wof the appendages 30 and 32 will vary between about 0.25 inches to about1.0 inches (about 6.35 mm and about 25.4 mm), and most preferably,between about 0.5 inches to about 0.75 inches (about 0.72 mm to about19.0 mm). Each of the appendages 30 and 32 are aligned at an angle alpha(α) adjacent to the first end 26 and relative to the first and secondlongitudinal side edges, 22 and 24 respectively. The angle alpha (α) canbe an acute angle (less than 90 degrees) as shown in FIG. 7 or it can bean obtuse angle (greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees) asis depicted in FIG. 1. When the appendages 30 and 32 are aligned at anacute angle, the angle (α) should preferably be less than 60 degrees,and most preferably, should be between about 10 to 50 degrees. When theappendages 30 and 32 are aligned at an obtuse angle, the angle alpha (α)should preferably be greater than about 100 degrees, and mostpreferably, should be between about 110 and 170 degrees.

It has been found that when the appendages 30 and 32 are aligned ateither an acute or an obtuse angle relative to longitudinal side edges22 and 24, they can be folded around the crotch portion of anundergarment very easily. In the folded position, the appendages 30 and32 will prevent longitudinal movement of the absorbent article 10relative to the undergarment itself. If the appendages 30 and 32 arealigned perpendicular (at 90 degrees) relative to the longitudinal sideedges, 22 and 24 respectively, they will not be as successful inpreventing longitudinal movement relative to the undergarment. Theperpendicular alignment does prevent sideways or transverse movement ofthe absorbent article 10 relative to the undergarment and can be used ifdesired.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the appendages 30 and 32 are a mirror imageof one another when the absorbent article 10 is divided along thelongitudinal central axis Y--Y. It should be noted that the appendages30 and 32 are shown as having the same length L and width W, although itis possible to make one longer or wider than the other if desired. Thetwo appendages 30 and 32 are designed to be folded along fold lines 34and 36, respectively, so that they can wrap around the outside edge ofthe undergarment and overlap the width of the crotch portion. The foldlines 34 and 36 can be imaginary lines on which the appendages 30 and 32are folded or they can be actual hinges formed in a predeterminedlocation on which the appendages 30 and 32 have to fold.

The absorbent article 10 further includes attachment means for securelyholding the absorbent article 10 to the crotch portion of anundergarment. The attachment means consist of a first member 38 and asecond member 40. The first member 38 is secured to one of the surfacesof the baffle 16. In FIG. 2, the first member 38 is positioned betweenthe absorbent 12 and the baffle 16. The first member 38 is preferablyaligned close to or in alignment with the longitudinal central axisY--Y. The first member 38 is offset from the transverse central axisX--X of the absorbent article 10 although it could also be alignedtherewith if desired. By offsetting the first member 38 from thetransverse central axis X--X, one decreases the possibility that thewearer could feel the present of it.

The first and second members, 38 and 40 respectively, can be magnets orsome other type of device which can exert an attractive force whensuperimposed and aligned close to one another. The magnets provide aneasy way for the user to reposition the absorbent article 10 relative tothe undergarment should the need arise. One of the first and secondmembers, 38 and 40 respectively, can consist of a permanent magnet andthe other member can be a receiver member having a magneticallysusceptible metal engageable with the permanent magnet. The first member38 can be a fixed magnetic element while the second attachment member 40can be a moveable magnetic element or vice versa.

When the first and second members, 38 and 40 respectively, are magnetsand/or receiver members, they should be wafer thin so the wearer of theabsorbent article 10 will not notice them. The magnets and/or receivermembers should have a thickness of less than about 0.25 inches (about6.35 mm) and preferably less than about 0.12 inches (about 3.2 mm). Athickness of less than about 0.10 inches (about 2.54 mm) is mostpreferred. The magnets can be constructed of a neodymium-iron-boronmaterial, a ceramic material or any other type of material having aferrite base. The magnets and receiver members should have a holdingforce, when measured perpendicular to one another, of less than about2.0 pounds, preferably less than about 1.0 pound, and most preferably,less than about 0.75 pounds. If the strength of the magnets and/orreceiver members is too strong, it may be difficult for a person usingthe absorbent article 10 to separate the attachment. If the strength ofthe magnets and/or receiver members is too weak, the attachment may notbe adequate to secure the absorbent article 10 to the crotch portion ofan undergarment.

The first member 38 can be secured to either a body-facing surface 42 ora garment-facing surface 44 of the baffle 16. The first member 38 can besecured by an adhesive or by embedding the first member 38 into the foambaffle 16. When the first magnet 38 is positioned on the body-facingsurface 42 of the baffle 16, the magnetic force of the first magnet 38to the second magnet 40 may cause the first magnet 38 to be implantedinto the polyolefin foam. If this occurs, it may not be necessary tosecure the first magnet 38 to the-foam by an adhesive. Likewise, thefirst magnet 38 can be merely positioned on the body-facing surface 42of the baffle 16 and be held in place by direct contact with either theabsorbent 12 or the cover 14. It is also possible for the first member38 to be secured to either the cover 14 or the absorbent 12 by anadhesive or by another type of bonding agent. It is further possible toembed the first member 38 in the absorbent 12 or to position it betweenthe cover 14 and the baffle 16 and to hold it there by the bond whichsecures the absorbent 12 to the baffle 16.

The second member 40 can be secured near the free end of either thefirst or second appendages, 30 or 32 respectively. In FIG. 2, the secondmember 40 is shown secured to the second appendage 32. The secondappendage 32 can have it's free or distal end folded over to enclose thesecond member 40 therebetween. It should be noted that the length of theappendage 30 or 32, which has the second member 40 enclosed or securedthereto, should be approximately the same length as the other appendage30 or 32. As with the first member 38, the second member 40 can besecured by an adhesive, be bonded in place by heat or pressure, or besecured by a mechanical means such as by sewing, stapling, etc.

In FIG. 2, the second member 40 is depicted as a wafer thin magnet, inthe form of a circular disk. The magnet is positioned on the body-facingsurface 42 of the baffle 16 and has the free end of the second appendage32 folded over it. The baffle 16 also has a garment-facing surfacefacing 44 and it is possible for the second member 40 to be placedadjacent to the garment-facing surface 44 and then have the free end ofthe second appendage 32 wrapped under it.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the absorbent article 10 is shown having acentral transverse axis X--X and the first and second members, 313 and40 respectively, are shown aligned along a transverse axis X₁ --X₁ whichis spaced apart from the transverse central axis X--X. Thisconfiguration places the first and second appendages, 30 and 32respectively, closer to the first end 26. It has been found that byplacing the appendages 30 and 32 closer to an end of the absorbentarticle 10, that the first and second members 38 and 40 respectively,can be located away from the central transverse axis X--X of the article10 which is the area which is wetted by body fluids. By placing thefirst and second members 38 and 40 closer to one of the ends, it hasbeen found that the user will not notice the weight of the magnets asmuch as if they were in the center portion of the absorbent article 10.

When the second member 40 is secured to the second appendage 32 and thesecond appendage 32 is folded on the fold line 36, it should verticallyoverlap the first member 38. This can be obtained when the first member38 is situated at the intersection of the longitudinal axis Y--Y and thetransverse axis X₁ --X₁ and the second member 40 is secured to thesecond appendage 32 and located along the transverse axis X₁ --X₁. Itshould be noted that the first and second members, 38 and 40respectively, can be offset from the transverse axis X₁ --X₁ but thesize and shape of the first and second members, 38 and 40 respectively,may have to be enlarged. Such an offset will also depend on the angle atwhich the appendage 32 is folded and the orientation of the fold line 36relative to the longitudinal side edge 24. However, when the first andsecond members, 38 and 40 respectively, are each in the form of a thinmagnetic disk, having a diameter of about 0.5 to 1.0 inches (about 12.7mm to 25.4 mm) or less, it is beneficial to arrange the first and secondmembers 38 and 40 such that they will substantially overlap one anotherwhen the appendages 30 and 32 are folded. This will assure that adequatemagnetic strength is present to provide a secure attachment.

It should be noted that the magnets can vary in configuration andinclude circular disks, squares, rectangles or any other geometricshape. For manufacturing purposes, a circular disk works fine.

Referring to FIG. 3, an absorbent article 46 is shown which is similarto that shown in FIG. 1, except for a couple of differences. First, ithas a second pair of appendages 48 and 50 which are formed at an obtuseangle relative to the second end 28. If the absorbent article 46 wasfolded on the central transverse axis X--X, the upper half would be amirror image of the lower half. Second, the absorbent article 46contains third and fourth attachment members, 52 and 54 respectively.The third attachment member 52 can be a magnet located at theintersection of the longitudinal axis Y--Y and the transverse axis X₂--X₂. The transverse axis X₂ --X₂ is spaced apart from the centraltransverse axis X--X. The third member 52 can be similar in all respectsto the first member 38. Third, the first and third attachment members 38and 52 are secured to the garment-facing surface 44 of the baffle 16.Fourth, the fourth attachment member 54 is secured to the appendage 50in a similar fashion as was the second member 40 is secured to theappendage 32. It should be noted that the first and second sets ofattachment members 38 and 40, and 52 and 54 respectively, can beidentical or can differ depending upon the desires of the manufacturers.

Referring to FIG. 4, the absorbent article 46 is shown secured to acrotch portion of an undergarment 56. The undergarment 56 contains twolongitudinal side edges 58 and 60 which will be covered by the absorbentarticle 46. The longitudinal side edges 58 and 60 can coincide with thelongitudinal side edges of the baffle, 22 and 24 respectively, or theycan be slightly inward thereof. The undergarment 56 also contains aninterior surface 62 which contacts the garment-facing surface 44 of thebaffle 16.

Referring to FIG. 5, the undergarment 56 is shown having an exteriorsurface 64 around which is wrapped the first and second sets ofattachment members 30 and 32, and 48 and 50. The appendages 30 and 32are folded around the crotch portion of the undergarment 56 and overlapsuch that the magnets 38 and 40 will be approximately verticallyaligned. In this position, the first appendage 30 (the one without themagnet 40) is first folded over the magnet 38 and then the secondappendage 32 (containing the magnet 40) is folded over the firstappendage 30. The first and second appendages, 30 and 32 respectively,overlay the first magnet 38 and the magnetic force of the magnets 38 and40 will hold the absorbent article 46 secure to the undergarment 56.Likewise, the third and fourth appendages, 48 and 50 respectively, arefolded in a similar fashion such that the third appendage 48 is firstfolded against the exterior surface 64 of the undergarment 56 and thenthe fourth appendage 50 is folded over it. The magnet 52 is attracted tothe magnet 54 and provides a secure attachment between the absorbentarticle 46 and the undergarment 56.

Referring to FIG. 6, the position of the folded appendages 30 and 32 areshown wherein the first and second magnets, 38 and 40 respectively, arevertically aligned or superimposed relative to one another along thecentral Z--Z axis.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, an absorbent article 66 is shown which issimilar to that shown in FIG. 3 except for a few differences. The firstdifference is that the magnets 38 and 52 are secured to the body-facingsurface 42 of the baffle 16. A second difference is that the first pairof appendages 30 and 32 are aligned adjacent to the first end 26 at anacute angle alpha (α) and the second pair of appendages 48 and 50 arealigned adjacent to the second end 28 at an acute angle alpha (α). Thefirst pair of appendages 30 and 32 are formed along a transverse axis X₃--X₃ and the second pair of appendages 48 and 50 are formed along atransverse axis X₄ --X₄. Both of these axes are spaced apart from thecentral transverse axis X--X. When the appendages 30 and 32, and 48 and50 are folded under and around the exterior surface 64 of theundergarment 56, they will be attached as is shown in FIG. 8. Theappendages 30 and 32 will angle toward the first end 26 while theappendages 48 and 50 will angle toward the second end 28. Thisconfiguration places the magnets farther away from the center of theabsorbent article 66 so that they are less noticeable by the wearer. Theangular disposition of the appendages 30 and 32, and 48 and 50 preventthe absorbent article 66 from moving longitudinally along the Y--Y axiswith respect to the undergarment 56. When two pairs of appendages 30 and32, and 48 and 50 are present, the absorbent article 66 is more stablein that forward and backward sliding relative to the undergarment 56 isdiminished. The acute or obtuse angle of the appendages 30 and 32, and48 and 50 play a significant role in preventing longitudinal movement ofthe absorbent article 66 with respect to the undergarment 56.

A third difference exhibited in FIGS. 7 and 8 is that the absorbentarticle 66 has nonlinear longitudinal side edges 68 and 70 locatedbetween the outward extending pairs of appendages 30 and 32, and 48 and50 respectively. The nonlinear side edges 68 and 70 are convex, suchthat they extend laterally outward. The amount that the edges 68 and 70extend outward can vary depending upon one's needs. The outwardlyextending longitudinal side edges 68 and 70 are formed from the baffle16 alone and are capable of folding along longitudinal axes, 72 and 74respectively, as they contact the inner thighs of a woman who is wearingthe absorbent article 66. The side edges 68 and 70 serve as fluidbarriers to protect the undergarment 56 from becoming stained should anybody fluid flow off the top surface of the absorbent article 66.

Referring to FIG. 9, an absorbent article 76 is shown which is similarto that shown in FIG. 1, except for two differences. The firstdifference is that the midpoint of each appendage 30 and 32 intersectsthe longitudinal side edges 22 and 24 at a location which is equaldistance from the first and second ends, 26 and 28 respectively, (alongthe central transverse axis X--X). The first and second appendages, 30and 32 respectively, are aligned at an acute angle alpha (α) to thesecond end 28. It should be noted that the appendages 30 and 32 can bealigned at various points along the length of the baffle 16. When onlyone set of appendages 30 and 32 are present, it may be advantageous toposition them along the central transverse axis X--X so as to make theabsorbent article 76 aesthetically pleasing in appearance.

A second difference exhibited in FIG. 9 is that the first appendage 30has an attachment member 78 secured to it just like the attachmentmember 40 is secured to the second appendage 32. The attachment member78 can be a magnet. In this embodiment, since both of the appendages 30and 32 contain a magnet, 78 and 40 respectively, it does not matterwhich appendage, 30 or 32, is folded first around the undergarment. Themagnets 38, 40 and 78 should be designed such that when each magnet issuperposed over one another, a magnetic force will be present which willattract each of the magnets to one another.

Optionally, in this embodiment, the first magnet 38 could be eliminatedbecause the second magnet 40 and the third magnet 78 have sufficientstrength to hold the absorbent article 76 to an undergarment.

PROCESS

In manufacturing any of the above-identified absorbent articles 10, 46,66 and 76, it is possible to place a non-magnetized metal or ceramicmaterial, which is capable of being magnetized, into the article in thedesired location. After the absorbent article has been fullyconstructed, the article can be run through an apparatus which willmagnetize the magnetic susceptible material. In this case, it ispossible to magnetize the attachment members 38, 40, 52, 54 and 78, sothat they will be attracted to one another. Once the article has beenused and disposed of, it is possible to recover the magnetic materialand run them through a machine which will demagnetize them. The metalcan then be recycled and reused.

The method of attaching the absorbent article to the crotch portion ofan undergarment includes the steps of positioning the absorbent articleon the undergarment with said baffle contacting the interior surface ofthe undergarment. The first and second appendages are then folded aroundthe crotch portion of the undergarment such that the first appendageoverlays the first magnet and the second appendage overlays the firstappendage. In this position, the second magnet is vertically alignedwith, and magnetically attracted to the first magnet.

When two pairs of appendages are present, the first and second membersof each pair are folded around the crotch portion of the undergarmentsuch that each of the first pair of appendages overlays one of the firstmagnets and each of the second pair of appendages overlays one of thefirst appendages. In this position, each of the second magnets isvertically aligned with and magnetically attracted to one of the firstmagnets.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with severalspecific embodiments, it is to be understood that many alternatives,modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in theart in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this inventionis intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications andvariations which fall within the spirit and scope of the appendedclaims.

I claim:
 1. A method of attaching an absorbent article to a crotchportion of an undergarment, said undergarment having an interior surfaceand an exterior surface, said article having an absorbent, a bafflesecured to said absorbent, said baffle having first and secondlongitudinal side edges, a first end, and first and second appendagesextending laterally outward from said first and second longitudinal sideedges, respectively, each of said first and second appendages positionedadjacent to said first end and aligned at an angle relative to saidlongitudinal side edges and having a sufficient length to be foldedinward and overlap one another, and a first magnet secured to saidbaffle and a second magnet secured to said second appendage, said methodcomprising the steps of:a) positioning said absorbent article on saidundergarment with said baffle contacting said interior surface; and b)folding said first and second appendages around said crotch portion ofsaid undergarment such that said first appendage overlays said firstmagnet and said second appendage overlays said first appendage, and saidsecond magnet is vertically aligned with and magnetically attracted tosaid first magnet.
 2. A method of attaching an absorbent article to acrotch portion of an undergarment, said undergarment having an interiorsurface and an exterior surface, said article having an absorbent, abaffle secured to said absorbent, said baffle having first and secondlongitudinal side edges, a first end, and first and second appendagesextending laterally outward from said first and second longitudinal sideedges, respectively, each of said first and second appendages positionedadjacent to said first end and aligned at an angle relative to saidlongitudinal side edges and having a sufficient length to be foldedinward and overlap one another, and a first magnet secured between saidabsorbent and said baffle and a second magnet secured to said secondappendage, said method comprising the steps of:a) positioning saidabsorbent article on said undergarment with said baffle contacting saidinterior surface; and b) folding said first and second appendages aroundsaid crotch portion of said undergarment such that said first appendageoverlays said first magnet and said second appendage overlays said firstappendage, and said second magnet is vertically aligned with andmagnetically attracted to said first magnet.